Lucky Luck was a Hawaii media star in the 1950s and 1960s. A popular morning drive disc jockey in the AM, he also hosted his own live television show in the PM, "Lucky's Luau". Local entertainers led by Genoa Keawe and Chick Floyd served as his house bands, as Lucky's comedic talents took center stage. "Lucky's Hula" was his theme song, performed here by Lucky along with Mel Peterson, in front of Chick Floyd's combo. Robert Melvin "Lucky" Luck was born in Waco, Texas, on November 13, 1918, and we lost him on February 11, 1977. Length:2:32Released on: 01-01-1963Artist/Compiled by: Lucky Luck w/ Chick Floyd's Orchestra

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"Puka In Kalihi" - Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs

In 1949, Hilo Hattie recorded a song composed by Andy Cummings campaigning for the "Puka In the Pali" (Nu'uanu Highway Tunnel). 30 years later, Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs wrote a tribute to completed "Puka In Kalihi" (Kalihi Valley Tunnel). Both tunnel projects linked the Windward side of O'ahu to Honolulu.Length:2:02Released on: 01-01-1979Artist/Compiled by: Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs

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"Honolulu Hale" - Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln

"Honolulu Hale", composed by Matilda Kauwe to salute the Grand Opening of the new Honolulu City Hall, called "Honolulu Hale", is performed by Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln. Opened for business on Nov. 26, 1929, City Hall is a four-story rectangle with a six-story tower at the rear. The roof, covered in terracotta tile, is reticulated with looming sheds and hip forms. City Hall, or Honolulu Hale, was created to house all of Honolulu's municipal activities. Two wings were added to the building in 1951, and recently a sliding rain cover was added to the roof over the courtyard.Length:2:32Released on: 01-01-1961Artist/Compiled by: Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln

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Po La'ila'i - (Mary Kawena Puku'i)

"Po La'ila'i" (A Calm Night), with words by Mary Kawena Puku'i (pictured) and music by Maddy K. Lam, shares a hula with an invitation to go for a walk on a moonlit night, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the countryside, and the fragrance of island flowers, "floating on the wings of a soft breeze"...
We in turn share this rare recording of "Po La'ila'i" by Louise Kaleiki & the Ho'oheno Serenaders in response to a request from Ethan Abbott, on behalf of his good friend, Coe Atherton. Mahalo Ethan.Length:2:38Released on: 03-09-2008Artist/Compiled by: Louise Kaleiki & Ho'oheno Serenaders

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Mai'a Lau Pala - Ho'oipo Trio

We share this 1975 recording of "Mai'a Lau Pala" by the Ho'oipo Trio, in answer to a special request of our good friend, Puakea Nogelmeier.
Pua wrote,
[ "The text of a similar song, "Ho'ohui 'Aina Pala Ka Mai'a" was just added into a literature anthology about Honolulu, and I had done the translation from words found in Buke Mele Lahui that we reprinted through the Historical Society.
I don't think it has ever been recorded, but I'd love to hear the rendition of "Mai'a Lau Pala" that you shared on Territorial Airwaves." ]
The Ho'oipo Trio consisted of Agnes Malabey Weisbarth, Agnes Ah See, and Doreen Lindsey.
The Ho'oipo Trio recorded this version of this "banana hula", but many other versions and verses exist to this mele that dates back to the 1800s, and was found in the hand-written ledger songbooks of Ruth Lilikalani.
Mai'a is the general term for banana.
Maoli is a variety of banana.
Lau pala, yellowing leaf, is the expression for failing health.
Apparently, the composer was trying to attract someone away from someone else.
Doreen Lindsey sings the lead.
Na Palapalai has since recorded a cover of this lovely mele.